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Peer Support Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Peer Specialist - 230301

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

The Peer Support Specialist is an integral part of the Peer Support Program, which provides recovery-focused services to individuals with severe, persistent mental illnesses. Under general ...

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Peer Support information

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$10

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How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support in Atlanta, GA is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a peer support specialist?

Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use, or other life disruptions who are trained to support others facing similar situations. They use their personal experiences to provide empathy, encouragement, and practical assistance to help others in their recovery journeys. Peer support specialists often work in mental health settings, addiction recovery programs, hospitals, or community organizations. Their role is to offer hope and understanding, foster empowerment, and connect people to resources while promoting wellness and self-advocacy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer support specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Peer Support Specialist, you need lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, strong interpersonal skills, and usually a peer support certification. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and knowledge of community resources are commonly required. Empathy, active listening, and nonjudgmental communication set outstanding peer supporters apart. These skills foster trust and empowerment, enabling clients to engage in recovery and access vital support services.

What are some common challenges faced by peer support specialists, and how can they effectively manage these challenges?

Peer support specialists often encounter challenges such as maintaining professional boundaries while building trust with clients, managing emotional stress from supporting individuals in crisis, and navigating complex healthcare or social service systems. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to participate in regular supervision or debriefings, engage in ongoing training, and practice self-care to prevent burnout. Collaboration with clinical staff and open communication within the team also support a healthy work environment and ensure high-quality support for clients.

What is the difference between Peer Support vs Peer Support?

AspectPeer SupportPeer Support
CredentialsOften requires certification in peer support or mental health first aidSame as Peer Support
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, mental health clinics, hospitalsSame as Peer Support
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, social servicesSame as Peer Support
Search IntentComparing roles within peer support servicesSame as Peer Support

Since the comparison is between the same job title, Peer Support, the roles, credentials, and work environments are identical. The focus is on understanding how peer support workers assist individuals through shared experiences in various settings like healthcare and community services.

How to get a job as a peer support specialist?

To become a peer support specialist, individuals typically need to have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and complete relevant training or certification programs. Many employers also require strong communication skills, empathy, and a background in healthcare or social services, with some positions requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Gaining experience through volunteer work or internships can also improve job prospects.

What are the duties of a peer support?

A peer support worker provides emotional support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals facing similar challenges, such as mental health or substance use issues. They listen actively, share experiences, and help clients access resources or services, often working in community or healthcare settings. Strong communication skills and relevant training or certifications are typically required for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Support jobs in Atlanta, GA?

The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What are popular job titles related to Peer Support jobs in Atlanta, GA?

For Peer Support jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Peer Support jobs in Atlanta, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Peer Support jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Peer Support jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Peer Support job openings:

Peer Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,450 per year, or $19 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist

Mary Hall Freedom Village Inc

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Description:

CERTIFIED PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST 

Job Description 

Position Title 

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) 

Department 

Behavioral Health 

Reports To 

HOPE Project Manager 

FLSA Status 

Non-Exempt 

Position Summary 

The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) provides recovery-oriented peer support services to women receiving residential substance use disorder treatment. Utilizing lived experience in recovery, the CPSS serves as a mentor, role model, advocate, educator, and motivator while promoting hope, self-determination, wellness, and long-term recovery. 

The CPSS assists participants in developing recovery skills, navigating community resources, building healthy support systems, increasing recovery capital, and preparing for successful community reintegration. Services are provided in accordance with organizational policies, ethical guidelines, state certification standards, and trauma-informed, person-centered care principles. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Recovery Support Services 

  • Provide individual peer support and recovery coaching. 
  • Facilitate peer-led recovery groups. 
  • Assist participants in identifying personal recovery goals. 
  • Encourage active participation in treatment services. 
  • Promote self-advocacy and personal responsibility. 
  • Share lived recovery experiences appropriately to inspire hope. 
  • Support participants through difficult stages of recovery. 

Engagement 

  • Build trusting relationships with participants. 
  • Conduct regular recovery check-ins. 
  • Encourage attendance at clinical appointments. 
  • Assist participants in maintaining treatment engagement. 
  • Help reduce barriers to participation. 

Recovery Planning 

  • Assist participants with Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) or individualized recovery plans. 
  • Support discharge planning. 
  • Assist with transition to community recovery supports. 

Community Resource Navigation 

Assist participants in accessing: 

  • Recovery meetings 
  • Recovery community organizations 
  • Housing resources 
  • Employment services 
  • Educational opportunities 
  • Childcare resources 
  • Transportation 
  • Healthcare services 
  • Food security 
  • Clothing assistance 

Recovery Activities 

Coordinate or assist with: 

  • Recovery meetings 
  • Community recovery events 
  • Volunteer opportunities 
  • Wellness activities 
  • Recreational outings 
  • Spiritual supports, as desired 
  • Family engagement activities 

Documentation 

Complete documentation within required timeframes, including: 

  • Peer Support Notes 
  • Recovery Plans 
  • Progress Notes 
  • Service Logs 
  • Monthly Activity Reports 
  • Recovery Goal Updates 

Maintain documentation according to agency, CARF, and funding requirements. 

Advocacy 

  • Advocate for participant choice. 
  • Promote person-centered services. 
  • Reduce stigma associated with substance use disorders. 
  • Encourage participant voice in treatment decisions. 

Professional Responsibilities 

  • Maintain active CPSS certification. 
  • Attend required training. 
  • Maintain personal recovery and remain substance-use free in accordance with MHFV employment and peer-support standards. 
  • Participate in supervision. 
  • Maintain professional boundaries. 
  • Follow confidentiality regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2. 
  • Demonstrate ethical peer support practices. 
  • Maintain CPR/First Aid certification. 



Requirements:

 Minimum Qualifications 

  • Active Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) certification. 
  • Minimum of two (2) years of sustained personal recovery from a substance use disorder. 
  • High School Diploma or GED. 
  • Knowledge of recovery principles. 
  • Strong communication skills. 
  • Ability to work within a multidisciplinary treatment team. 
  • Valid driver's license. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience working with women in recovery. 
  • Experience working in residential treatment. 
  • Knowledge of trauma-informed care. 
  • CPR/First Aid certification. 

 Core Competencies 

  • Recovery Coaching 
  • Motivational Support 
  • Active Listening 
  • Professional Boundaries 
  • Cultural Competence 
  • Trauma-Informed Care 
  • Crisis Recognition 
  • Team Collaboration 
  • Documentation 
  • Community Resource Coordination 
  • Ethics 
  • Time Management